And so a sense of home has taken hold.
It seems I've been here longer than is actually feels real. Was it December 11th? It has been tough. Mentally. I've been very confused. I've decided not to give words to a lot of it. And then there is all the rest of the shit... nope, not giving words to that either.
The final moving of "stuff" happened. Stuff I thought I wanted was left behind because the truck was too small and time was short. Most of the plants froze but a few that could be stuffed into bins survived, although the damage is still showing up and we'll see. Slow dying in some cases. I will watch if only to learn. It's amazing how much just a little green helped.
Some of the wilt was simply water deprivation, and some was freeze. I have watered and cut the damage back, we'll see.
My mother's mother's rocker, my mom painted it green. A comfort in many ways.
My mom's lamp. Green. And the scallions are growing. My first garden here.
Some patches, been staring at them for a while, in a kind of coma...
This is soul-O's escape. He hides from the world of people.
And I put a chair at the other end on this bridge/walkway to nowhere except a window. My escape I guess. From stupid.
This morning this happened. I was afraid the fire had gone out. Not. Maybe some more words will return tomorrow.
So great you’ve got your important stuffs now. The green things make your home so cozy – the lamp, the rocker. Soul-O looks fine. The cold will pass, hopefully soon. I feel good about you now. All will be well sweet Jude! That house though! I’m in love with it. Spring , summer and fall there will be lovely. A bigger stove will help. 🙏🏻❤️❤️
Yes, I am ok.
Hello Jude,
Your first photo of your table with the green lamp is beautiful, the wood walls with the white. Hope you can fix the drafts.
Plants are pretty resilient. Remember use cuttings from friends. Sorry you have to go through this upheaval, life does that and we have to go long with the ride. I remember Sundance’s, words…live your best life today. Good thoughts sent your way from here.
I’m up for the journey, thanks! HEY HO!
Wow you made it to your first peaceful plateau. That is huge. Now you know you can make it and find your own peace. Now you can be happy and change what doesn’t work for YOU! Live for what you want. You discovered your new home. I am so happy for you. Kick those fears to the curb.
Ok!
Oh gee the urge to send you a plant is strong, But you’re in the woods so green will be everywhere in awhile. No point in saying soon is there. It’s been very cold with deep snow here in the wilds of SE Indiana. Lots of wood being cut as we weren’t really prepared. After 3 years of mild winters. Thank goodness for hickory tipped over in the forest in a big wind. Really look forward to seeing the pictures of your house, the construction is fascinating to say the least.
It was warmer today and the light is changing and the days are getting longer and the garlic I planted in a pot indoors has sprouted. All is well!
Magical and enchanting! Years ago I watched a foreign documentary film. It featured an Italian artist/ fashion designer/ photographer (I don’t recall his name). His home was surprisingly small, cozy and eclectic, for a man as successful as himself. He called it his “egg”. It was filled with his most precious possessions, not of great monetary value, but those which told his story. It was all heart, a sanctuary refuge from the world. I like the “egg” concept… it reminds me of your special home! Blessings to you and Soul-O.
Oh, thank you for this story and you kind words. Egg is so perfect really.
Thank you for inviting us in your home
It’s a cozy and peaceful space
Enjoy
Do love the green Windsor rocking chair
I’m gonna move it near the fire…
Your adventure is wild, enchanting, daring, comforting, and beautiful. I love so many things about your new round home. Thank you for sharing your life, confusion, and space with us. Your continuous fire has sparked my desire for more daring and adventure. I am sending you warmth.
It is indeed an adventure, I questioned it at first, but it’s great!
the bridge to nowhere looks like a catbird seat to me 😉
😂
All of this makes my heart sing 💚🎶💚🎶💚
I like music!
“And suddenly it was a HOME” After all that upheaval this is the good bit Jude. Your flying chair at the end of a bridge over the stove with a window for light made me SMILE. All my best wishes to you two XXX
I will imagine flying.
Your home is enchanting. I am marveling at your magic touch. I especially like the chair on the walkway to a window. You continue to inspire me.
I laughed when I thought of putting it there, struggled to carry it there and exhaled the first time I sat in it. Soul-o likes having me there.
Love the print fabric – fantastic colours
It did get dipped in a very weak indigo vat at one point.
I agree. That first shot is magazine worthy. And the green brightens everything. Glad you are settling in.
Regeneration!
LOOKS INVITING…WELCOME HOME!
Here I am!
it’s quite nice.
sometimes it is the smallest of things that settle us
and the opposite.
Yes, sometimes we can’t even see them.
So happy you’re feeling at home because you’ve made it look so cozy. It’s got a hugge feel to me. I hope you have an early spring so you can get an abundance of green.
I’m sure it’ll be a jungle out there!
Excited for the bounty of your unfamiliar views! Isn’t it so heartening when pieces of our life take on and look even more beautiful in a different space. That green chair! Loved painting furniture and walls w/my mother! Heart season, so needed ever more! Have fun, spring is coming! Much love!
Yes, new perspectives teach us so much.
You have accomplished such a great deal in a very short time especially with no real planning ahead of time. Such a cozy space. So peaceful. Maybe find yourself some fire starters made from beeswax and sawdust/ wood chips.
Got some of those!!!
Jude..your home looks so warm and inviting. It’s just lovely and already has such a lived in, home feel. How beautiful it all looks. There is a peace which radiates.
Wishing you kind days, Jude….very kind.
I am happy that peace arrived, at least here .
As someone above said that a first pic is magazine worthy. The perfect illustration of a cosy, quiet, loved space. The lighting is just beautiful. The green lamp and the hanging plant were the perfect touches and don’t we all need as much green this time of year as we can possibly manage?
Yes, and I was so distracted I forgot what was missing.
It is hard to kind of straddle two places and although most of your things were in your new home, you still had other things and plants in your other home. The transition to finally having what you could bring from your other home to this one and closing that door and opening your new door is a process and it evolves until one day, it feels like you have always been here.
We have moved many times but we chose all of our moves. It takes a somewhat different mindset to move because you have to as we found out with this last move here in New Mexico. This move was done during the height of Covid, our landlord needed $ and had to sell our rental home and we were not interested in buying it. Trying to find a rental during Covid was surreal because many places did not allow on site visits, you could only look at places on-line. Luckily we found a real estate agent who was also an owner of a small apartment complex so we were able to see our place in person. When we were given the keys, the first things that were moved in were our house plants. When the movers arrived, a few days later, it was wonderful to open the door and find the place alive and joyful with our plants. i know that you have felt this with now having your plants with you and I do hope that many of them survive.
Welcome home Jude.
I wish I had moved them first, but the real estate agent felt they added a lot to the showing, so…
It has made a big difference in the atmosphere, really. I have been calmed.
Such a beautiful place, Jude ! (no we can’t see how cold it is . . .) I hope the (your) fire keeps burning <3
It’s ok, I’ve learned a lot about firebuilding , it’s just a lot of work. 🔥 but hey. Ho!
I am 100% wood heat in a land where -10 F is an ordinary winter day. I usually have a good bed of coals in the morning but when things do go wrong…I highly recommend a handheld propane torch for lighting the fire. Caution of course but honestly it makes the process much simpler.
Yes, I’ve learned a lot and just love the glow of the coals in the morning when I come downstairs. I have one of those lighters, my son gave it to me, but don’t use it much.
And Soulo has a round home too! You make beautiful spaces Jude.
I’d love to make his place look like a yurt!
Love your bridge nook and chair facing into the house- grounding-even if perched. Stay well , Joanna
Nice light over my shoulder … and it’s right over the woodstove, toasty!
Your interior space looks gorgeous Jude! Loved seeing it all. And yes, the greens pull it all together and make it a home, I felt such peace when I saw it. I’m so happy for you and Soul-o. Sending you so much love.
👋 hey ❤️
It’s looking mighty cozy in the first photo! I know it is still cold though with those big windows and the cracks. This time next year… that’s what I tell myself in a new place. You’ll have so many things worked out and settled. I think of you often and so glad you and Soul-O have each other. ❤️
Yeah, we enjoy each other’s company.
Lots of plans come spring. Things will fall into place. And into the cracks!😂
I turn 90 ina few months and I have been engaging in a certain amount of reflection and introspection. There were so many times I was taken to my knees in total defeat but I always got back up and put one foot in front of the other, many times I didn’t want to getup. I began to realize as time went by that every defeat was exactly what I needed to grow and become strong . Now looking back on my life and who I have become. I realize that if I had to choose again I wouldn’t change one single second because I am so happy with who I am today. Peaceful and oh so grateful . Blessings to you. you are doing great and your new place is so beautiful.
Oh, wow, congratulations! 90! How great is that! ❤️🔥✌️
Your new home suits you and your belongings are fitting in beautifully. I love the walls and the windows to the outside world! How old do you think the house is? Sending hugs long distance💞
1970s
It huts my heart to hear you say that you have been scared and I’m glad that this new house is beginning to feel more like home. I hope you have a sense of just how valued you truly are. Wishing you peace of heart and mind in your new home.
It’s usually not my style to admit to fear, but I have a lot of it hidden away. Peace has returned for now.
So happy to see your place coming together!! I know the feeling of not giving words to something !! Excellent temporary coping method!! Stay warm and as always love to you and all your inspiration !!
Yeah, letting things brew a bit. Too early to say…
Feeling warmer with a sense of place.
Your home is beautiful and so peaceful. I bought a cheap bunch of daffodils at the supermarket today. They bring more smiles than anyone would think during this cold spell. Green warms a home that’s for sure.
Yes, especially this winter!
Hello Jude
Such a homely space 🌷you’re finally starting to settle . Honour your journey & give yourself a huge hug 🤗
Big hugs
Maria 🌸
Thanks! Yes!
Your house is looking home-y. The natural light is beautiful. You have been through a lot. Honor that. Believe me-it helps with the healing and finding peace in a new physical/emotional/spiritual/mental space. ❤️ I’m entering year 4 of a big change and am just now realizing there is peace on the other side.
Yeah, I’m admitting a lot to myself.
Very lovely new home, Jude. Hope that you have many happy times there.
I think I might be redefining happy.
What a journey and so much disorientating change. Step by step space becomes place. Green brings life and hope, despite plant loss among it all, less room in the van. Hard and vulnerable times. Making sense, placing pieces one day at a time. Looking more hopeful now Jude. Xxx
The little bit of green lifted my spirits I guess…
I crave more alone time, maybe cause I never get it, but these pics make me a wee bit green with envy. I know better than that but I think it’s ok to say so to deep thinkers. I’m pretty sure I’d be a little scared there at night though! ✌️
I love being alone, but this journey was hard.
Blessings,
Belinda🥰
👋
Hi, Jude! It’s gorgeous, makes me want to change my whole living palette!
No idea what prompted your major change, but I’ve been through some pretty miserable stuff and lived to appreciate it. Hugs 💚
Separated from my partner, moved closer to family. Still healthy though and everybody is ok.
It’s all coming together beautifully, as it should. It takes a while to become home, to lose that “is this really going to work” feeling. I think back on how many times I’ve had to remake myself in this lifetime. Soul-O looks peaceful.
I guess I thought I was done, now that I am settled I can look back at how it happened.
love how it all came together for u, almost overnight. the simple truth of it all. how illumination transforms a space into a place. welcome home, jude. we all love u REALLY BIGGGG… xxx
Maybe my head will clear now.
Jude this is such a happy place……….
Getting there…🙃
Growing things soften the edges. Good to see the settling in and the heart. :).
Yeah, winter has made it harder, I forgot about the need for green.
Wow. Magazine-worthy, especially that first picture.
Glad you’re home, near loved ones, and thinking Art again.
🤎🙏
Once it becomes loved, everything changes
So glad you are settling – it is not easy to uproot oneself through an unwanted choice. Your new place appears beautifully light, & feels as if there’s a bit of magical tossed in.
No at this age especially …
Glad you’re feeling at home now, and the feather looking log cabin 9 patch is beautiful 💙 ✌🏼🏡
I tried to make it like a painting.
This place seems to really suit you. I know there are challenges, and chinks to work out, or fill in, hoping it will all resolve and become the peaceful sanctuary you need. Love seeing your stuff in there, it feels at home.
Yeah, certain little things made a big difference…
Glad to hear that!
💚
Beautiful!
👋
It looks really homey, comfortable, warm, welcoming and secure! I also love green and simply must have green in the house, especially in the winter. Green represents life to me, I need the natural and grounding effect of green. Okay! Stitch away!
Yes, green us essential. There is a lot of light here, gonna plant some seeds!
Thank you for sharing these warming, comforting pictures of your home in the making. Breathing, everything breathing. I love the heart square, softness, which leads to openness. Happy hidey-holes on the bridge — what a cool place to perch! Wishing you warm and happy and the sprouting anew from the seeming dead!
I’m thinking a lot about rising from the ashes…!
No one could have risen better! You have always amazed me. Now you are a true phoenix 🐦🔥. You definitely got this!!
Also I’ve noticed you have been bringing color back into your pieces. It’s been a long time since you’ve done that. I’m happy to see it for you. I could be wrong but maybe a hidden joy ? Hope so. Love to you Jude.
I see that too, I’ll keep going, maybe it’s all the snow this winter…
All we can do is keep going…
Yes. It is. And grateful to be able to ❤️
❤️
❤️
Looks very cozy. Always takes time to adjust.
Yeah, it hasn’t really been that long, my sense of time is so off.
Your home feels wonderful. I’m glad you will keep going in your own way. Soul O and the plants are perfect.
My paths seems more open, I feel less scared.
What an inviting comfortable!
It’s a hug now.
What could possibly be better than living in a hug.
Ha, right?
🍀Hi Jude. I always think things should be between the rational and the empirical. That’s probably why I like your presentation so much. Very subtle.
It’s a magical place
So good to see you here and getting settled in, the greening of your space, the sunny hiding spots on the bridge. The soft colors of your heart cabin look like a home being the softest place to land.
It’s a comfort to hide once in a while…
Moving is disorienting. A temporary issue as you wait for the pieces of you to arrive from the stars and settle in. They get flung In to the sky where you were, and you just have to let them come home to roost, then find their place in your new bit of heaven. You’re almost home.
In just the last day or so it all started to make sense.
Wow, looks wonderful. I’m sad about the plants though.
Yeah, there were tears…
Oh your home Jude…warmth in every corner…makes me almost weep in the comfort and beauty of that. xo
All I need is good light, a table, a little green and some scraps of self. And the 🔥 of course. ❤️
This place is so lovely, just how I have always imagined you to be.
I’m interested in how just me will be.
What a beautiful home ! So sad about the plants that didn’t make it but what you’ve done in a short time looks wonderfully arranged and Stitchery too.
I lost a big old snake plant, cut it all back, maybe the roots are ok. I have enough really. I will begin again…
Oh, how I love your new home!
It’s got issues but I love it, especially when the sun comes out!
Beautiful, warm, and cozy! I love a lamp on a table, but how do you plug it in? I can picture you sitting there stitching away. And might that be the table you have shown us how to do certain stitching techniques on over the years?
Lovely, just lovely!
hugs,
Jeri
Drilled a hole for the wire, and pulled the plug through a slit in the kilim and then pulled it toward the outlet on the wall, ha!
Clever woman you are! I made Brian put an outlet in the floor in my last house, when we went to sell the house it did look weird. I thought we would be there forever. Forever is a funny thing, isn’t it?
warm hugs,
Jeri
Yes, thought about that, but I move stuff around a lot!
A very funny thing indeed. Tricky!
Oh my, Jude — your place looks so cozy and peaceful! Just absolutely lovely! As you more fully settle in the words will come…
I feel ok now.